California Labor Federation Endorsement

CONCORD-The California Labor Federation today endorsed Assemblymember Tom Torlakson's campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The election for the non-partisan office will take place on June 8, 2010.

The California Labor Federation represents from than 2.1 million union members in manufacturing, retail, construction, hospitality, public sector, health care, entertainment, and other industries from more than 1,200 AFL-CIO and Change to Win unions.

"I have been proud to have been associated with labor since my first employment experience as a Merchant Marine fireman with the Pacific Coast Marine Firemen's union, and then as a teacher member of the California Teachers Association and California Federation of Teachers. This endorsement and labor's support means a great deal to me and the supporters of my campaign," said Torlakson. "The working men and women of this state want, and need, our public education system to provide the best instruction possible so their children can gain the skills and tools needed to succeed in the 21st Century global economy."

"That is why I am fighting to ensure that every parent can send every one of their children to a safe and high quality school in their own neighborhood," added Torlakson. "I also look forward to working with union members around our state to expand career technical education and apprenticeship programs so all of our students can gain the skills needed to succeed. I also believe expanding these programs is a key element to transitioning our country to a green economy, one which can provide good-paying quality jobs for the working men and women of California."

A second-generation teacher, Torlakson has applied his experience as a high school science teacher and high school coach to reform the way public education works as a member of the State Legislature. Torlakson has acted to improve student nutrition and physical education, give schools the funding support they need to ensure academic achievement, and reduce the dropout rate. He has also worked diligently to protect education funding.

As Superintendent for Public Instruction, Torlakson will work to ensure parents can send their children to a safe, high-quality school in their own neighborhood. He also wants to prepare our youth for the real world after high school by expanding career and technical education for high school students, protecting college-prep courses and arts and music programs, fighting to reduce the drop-out rate and close the achievement gap, and making sure the management of local school districts measures up to the highest standards of excellence.

Torlakson has also been endorsed by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, Congressman (and former Lt. Governor) John Garamendi, Former California Secretary of Education Dave Long, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Teachers Association, SEIU California, California Nurses Association, California National Organization for Women PAC, California Professional Firefighters, California Young Democrats, United Food and Commercial Workers, and many other individuals and organizations. More information on Torlakson's campaign and his endorsers can be found at www.TomTorlakson.com.